Domótica e a requalificação de edifícios

Para a elaboração deste artigo técnico foi necessário adoptar uma estrutura que possibilitasse fornecer um estudo teóricoprático, transversal e equilibrado, das diferentes tecnologias domóticas. Inicialmente realizou-se um pequeno estudo teórico das tecnologias domóticas mais relevantes, de uma forma transversal e resumida (Capítulo 2). Em função do estudo teórico do capítulo anterior, no Capítulo 3 realizou-se uma análise mais prática, em que ao invés de abordar um caso prático existente, de grandes instalações com o seu valor emblemático, optou-se por utilizar como modelo o edifício F do Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto e apresentar uma das soluções possíveis de implementação de tecnologias domóticas em edifícios já existentes (aplicação do conceito de requalificação de edifícios). Depois da exposição do caso prático, expôs-se o futuro e oportunidades de mercado da domótica ou sistema de gestão técnica centralizada, mais focalizado para o mundo académico (Capítulo 4). Por fim, são tecidas as conclusões e considerações finais do artigo (capitulo 5). Esse artigo foi elaborado sob o ponto de vista de integrador. Por outras palavras, procurou-se realizar uma aproximação da realidade prática a nível de implementação das tecnologias domóticas em edifícios, ao dar uma linha de conhecimento abrangente e ao mesmo acessível aos leitores, que muitas das vezes esse tema acaba por transmitir conceitos errados

Comprehensive expression analysis of prostanoid enzymes and receptors in the human endometrium across the menstrual cycle

Prostanoids are well-described primary mediators of inflammatory processes and are essential for the normal physiological function of the female reproductive system. The aim of this study was to determine the temporal expression of the prostanoid biosynthetic enzymes (PTGS1, PTGS2, PTGES, PTGES2, PTGES3, AKR1B1, AKR1C3, CBR1, HPGDS, PTGDS, PTGIS, TBXAS1 and HPGD) and the prostanoid receptors (PTGER1, PTGER2, PTGER3, PTGER4, PTGFR, PTGDR, GPR44, PTGIR and TBXA2R) in the human endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle. The analysis identified PTGFR to have a distinct expression profile compared with other components of the prostanoid system, as expression is maximal during the proliferative phase. Immunohistochemical analysis for PTGER1 suggests a dual function for this receptor depending on its temporal (proliferative versus secretory) and spatial (nuclear versus cell membrane) expression. The expression profiles of the PGF2α synthases identified AKR1B1 and CBR1 as the likely regulators of PGF2α production during the menstrual phase. Immunohistochemical analysis for AKR1B1, CBR1 and AKR1C3 suggest expression to be in the glandular epithelium and vasculature. This study represents the first comprehensive analysis of the components of prostanoid biosynthetic and signalling pathway in the human endometrium. The expression profiles described have the potential to identify specific prostanoid components that may be dysregulated in inflammatory-associated disorders of the endometrium

Surgery for epimacular membrane: impact of retinal internal limiting membrane removal on functional outcome

PURPOSE: To examine eyes that underwent vitrectomy and peeling of epimacular membrane and to correlate the functional results with the presence or absence of an internal limiting membrane (ILM) in the histologic specimens. METHODS: Seventy-one eyes underwent vitrectomy and peeling of an epimacular membrane. These membranes were examined with a transmission electron microscope. Best-corrected visual acuities were recorded before macular surgery, 1 month after surgery, and at the final examination and were compared between group 1 (ILM removed) and group 2 (ILM not removed). The age, gender, status of the lens preoperatively, type of epimacular membrane (idiopathic or secondary), intraoperative and postoperative complications, and elapsed time between vitrectomy and cataract operation were recorded. All 71 eyes were pseudophakic at the final examination. The mean follow-up was 21 months. RESULTS: Long segments of ILM were found in the specimens from 55 (77%) of the cases. Final visual acuities were better in group 1 (ILM removed) than in group 2 (ILM not removed, P = 0.004). The visual gain was 3.1 lines on the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart in group 1 and 0.9 lines in group 2. At the last examination, a recurrent epimacular membrane was observed in 5 (9%) eyes of group 1 and 9 (56%) eyes of group 2. CONCLUSION: ILM removal during surgery for epimacular membrane is associated with better final vision and a lower risk of recurrent epimacular membrane